In celebration of Black History Month, many Free Library of Philadelphia branches will be hosting special events for both children and adults, including book readings and discussions, lectures, arts and crafts, and other educational and fun events and activities. Here’s a list of events happening in West Philadelphia branches and on-line this week. For more events, visit this page.

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:00 p.m.

Walnut Street West Library (40th and Walnut):

W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Ordeal of Mansart Community Reading Group – Stop by the library for a community reading group of W. E. B Du Bois’ classic novel The Ordeal of Mansart. W. E. B. Du Bois was a public intellectual, sociologist, and activist and profoundly shaped Black political culture in the United States. This is a weekly event through Feb. 28. Click here for more information. Continue Reading

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday, Jan. 17 and many events celebrating his legacy have been scheduled around the city, virtually and in-person. Here’s a list of some events and volunteer opportunities happening in West and Southwest Philadelphia and on-line. Also, check out the list compiled by the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

To explore additional MLK Day volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia, click here.

Thursday, Jan. 13 & Friday, Jan. 14:

Sam Pollard Film Screenings – Virtual Event

Scribe Video Center is hosting an online screening of two films by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard. On Thursday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m., join Scribe for a presentation of MLK/FBI, and on Friday, Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a presentation of Two Trains Runnin’, followed by a conversation with Sam Pollard. The screenings and conversation will be presented through the Crowdcast platform. Click here for more information and to register. Continue Reading

PEC staff member James Wright at a pop-up food distribution event (Photo courtesy of PEC)

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) staff are distributing free food and hosting the Penn Medicine COVID-19 mobile testing unit at 39th and Baring Streets on Thursdays this month (Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27).

Neighborhood residents are welcome to come by for a fresh box of produce and testing. The events are part of PEC’s work with the community to improve health outcomes for everyone. To learn more about the Penn Medicine mobile testing unit, run by Dr. Antonio Dávila Jr., click here.

Food distribution begins at 10 a.m. and continues while supplies last. The mobile testing unit will be onsite from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

UC Green, the West Philly community greening organization, is again hosting holiday tree recycling events in two West Philly parks – Clark Park and Malcolm X Park. Both events will be held Saturday, Jan. 8 (check out the flier below for more details). Suggested donation is $5-$20 per tree. Recycled trees will be mulched and used in local parks.

If you can’t bring your tree to any of these events, check out the Christmas Tree Recycling program run by the city this month. Continue Reading

The annual Holiday Basket Drive has returned to Cedar Park in its usual format after taking a break last year due to the pandemic. This is a great chance for neighbors to help other neighbors in need during the holidays.

The campaign is run by the neighborhood association Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN), who with the help of area churches and other nonprofit organizations will prepare and distribute food baskets for those in need on December 18. Volunteers are also welcome!

Currently, CPN is accepting donations from its members and everyone who would like to help. Suggested donation this year is $45, which will help feed two families. Continue Reading

UPDATE: The Holiday Craft Fest has been postponed until Sunday, Dec. 12.

West Holiday Craft Fest will return this Saturday Sunday after last year’s pandemic-related hiatus. This year, the popular arts and crafts festival will be held at a new, outdoor location in University City, since large gatherings are still limited at The Rotunda, where the fest was held in the past. The 2021 Holiday Craft Fest will be held at the LAWN and Pivot Park, located at 37th and Filbert Streets, just north of Market (see map).

VIX Emporium, the longtime organizer of the fest, has recently shared more details about the Fest, where folks are invited to shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts. Continue Reading